People often ask me why I refuse to associate with Trump supporters. They’ll tell me I’m being rude or that it’s just the person’s opinion. But to me, it is not. When I say this—I don’t mean I won’t associate with all Republicans; everyone has their own views on our economy and other issues. But being able to confidently tell me you support Donald Trump is where I refuse to listen.

It is terrifying to me that someone thinks we could still be friends when they support a man who is against my very existence. I have no remorse for avoiding those who endorse a candidate who has multiple sexual assault charges against him, on top of 34 felonies. 

   As a woman, I won’t talk to you if you support Trump because he wants to take away access to abortion. That is taking away the basic rights of women and that is so insane to me. Not to mention the twenty-six brave women who came forward and charged this man with rape and assault. 

    As someone raised in a queer household, homophobia has always shocked me, for it takes issue with two people in love—like any other heteronormative couple. I grew up with two loving moms and from that, I have become extremely empathetic and open-minded. My mothers raised me just as well, if not better than any straight couple could. So why would I waste time on someone who believes there is something wrong with my family?

     As someone adopted by a Jewish family, don’t even come near me if you endorse Trump. John Kelly, a former white house worker recently brought up claims on Trump that he had wanted “Hitler’s generals.” Kelly also said that he often called certain Americans “enemies from within.” All of these things reflect many of Adolf Hitler’s ideals, one of the most racist, homophobic, and antisemitic men our world has ever seen. 

    To me, a vote for Trump is a vote against my existence and my rights, and I should not be expected to want to be friends or associate with someone who most literally dislikes all aspects of me. What I have is not a problem with Republicans, it is not an issue with conservatives. What it is, is a problem with Donald Trump himself and how he has polarized the Republican party. The fact that so many Republicans want this dangerous man to be the face of their party, makes me terrified. At this moment in time, Donald Trump represents the epitome of the far right. 

    It devastates me to know I cannot vote in this election, as I want to keep my freedoms. I’ve never been more terrified of an election’s results, but not because of my age. Truly, it is because I don’t want to live in a world where me, my family, and many of my friends are cast away for our religions, our skin color, our sexuality, and our gender. 

  This is no longer about the economy or the military or anything else. This is about a young woman in America wanting her basic human rights.